Assessment and Quantification of Risks Associated with Small Scale Mining, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Small scale mining industry is considered more hazardous than other industries worldwide. Large number of workers receive minor and major injuries leading to disabilities or loss of lives due to frequent accidents in mines. Main causes of accidents in mines are fall of roof, improper ventilation system, gases, fires and mine explosions. Beside these hazards, violation of rules and regulations for mine workers are common, which also cause accidents. This paper is focused on issues associated with the health and safety of workers of Cherat Coal Mines (CCM), Abbottabad Coal Mine (ACM) and Abbottabad Soapstone Mine (ASM), Pakistan. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS computer statistics software. The data analyses indicated that the lack of education and violation of safety laws cause accidents in mines. Results show that problems that were rated higher by more than 60% of workers included slide and fall, dust, roof fall and explosive related hazards. In survey more than 50% of the workers admitted the existence of gases, fire and low height mines are common hazards in their workplace. The results also indicated that not only workers but management are also affected by accidents. More than 17% of worker in CCM faced serious accidents up to 3 times during one year. Up to 26% of workers in CCM, 13% in ACM and 15% in ASM suffered accidents for which they had 3 workdays off. It has been concluded that training should be arranged, especially the safety related training on regular basis to reduce the risk of accidents.